I’m not from Knoxville. That’s right — the girl that brands herself as a born and raised native Knoxvillian is in fact, not.

Yes, I was born in the city and even graduated from UT, but if I were to tell you where I’m from I wouldn’t give credit to the Scruffy City. I was raised in Farragut, a quaint little suburban America town right outside of Knoxville.

When talking about Farragut many people respond with puzzled faces, only knowing it as the bustling town at the end of Kingston Pike. Maybe they know something about my alma mater, the Admirals, Turkey Creek, and the spot that is overflowing with rolling green fields, sidewalks and bicyclists.

I see it as my home. It’s a place I’ve seen grow from a small town dotted with historic homes and woods to one that has seen booming business and is quickly — and surprisingly — becoming one of Knox County’s most exciting nightlife destinations.

Topgolf has been approved for a $20 million complex on Outlet Drive.(Photo: Margie Hagen/Shopper News)

Topgolf

If you’ve ever been to Nashville or Atlanta you may be familiar with Topgolf, the latest entertainment craze that features both high tech and high stakes. The facilities include a full-service restaurant, bar and putting range that features touch screen monitors and microchipped balls. Topgolf is a popular attraction in many major cities across the United States, and Farragut may be next in line.

This summer, Topgolf announced plans to open their first East Tennessee location in Farragut. The town has long been eyeing turning the vacant Outlet Drive into an entertainment complex, and with the amended ordinances to create The Outlet Drive Regional Entertainment and Employment District, Knoxvillians could be enjoying the $20 million dollar facility soon.

Farragut’s Topgolf location would feature two stories with a restaurant, bar, electronic games and 72 golf bays.

4D Theater

You may know that Knoxville is home to Regal Entertainment — but did you know Farragut is home to Tennessee’s first 4DX theater? In May 2019 Regal unveiled its first 4DX auditorium at the Pinnacle theater in Turkey Creek.

The immersive technology allows viewers to experience a movie with the feeling of being at an amusement park. While watching the film, your seat moves, shakes and tickles, water sprays on your face, scents fill the air and wind rushes through your hair. The experience is truly one of a kind as viewers can feel as if they are becoming a part of the movie. However, beer lovers may want to leave the brews at concessions as you may find less of it in your stomach and more of it on the floor.

Crafty Bastard Brewery West

Scruffy City-goers should be familiar with this brewery as their flagship location is a popular hangout spot in downtown Knoxville. As the sun sets over Farragut, you’ll find its residents heading over to Crafty Bastard Brewery’s second location in Echelon Bicycles on Kingston Pike. Located in a bicycle shop, this West Knoxville location is quirky and fun, serving up good times and great vibes with conversation and live music.